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10 Best Handheld Vacuums 2026 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum, Cleans Hard Floors and Carpets, Detangles, Converts to Handheld, 115AW, 2 Power Modes, Up to 40 Minutes¹

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,492
Suction Power
Weight
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
4362 reviews

Suction Power
Impressive suction power that picks up dirt and pet hair from both carpets and hard floors with ease.
Weight
Lightweight and vacuums hardwood/tile well, making it ideal for frequent, fast cleaning sessions.
Attachments and Accessories
Attachments like the dusting brush and crevice tool are really helpful for reaching tricky spots and cleaning between furniture.
Filter Type
The HEPA filtration system makes a noticeable difference in air quality, effectively trapping allergens and dust.

The Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum is a versatile and lightweight handheld vacuum that offers several appealing features for everyday cleaning tasks. At 5.6 pounds, it's easy to maneuver and handle, making it suitable for quick cleanups and deep cleaning alike. The vacuum provides up to 40 minutes of fade-free power, which should be sufficient for most household cleaning sessions. It has two power modes—Powerful mode for regular cleaning and MAX mode for intensive spot cleaning—giving users flexibility based on their needs. The included lithium-ion battery ensures reliable performance, although a full charge is recommended before use to maximize runtime.

The vacuum excels at pet hair removal, thanks to the Motorbar cleaner head and Hair screw tool that effectively detangle and collect long hair and pet hair from various surfaces. It also comes with four additional Dyson-engineered accessories that help clean hard-to-reach spots. One of its standout features is the advanced whole-machine filtration system, which traps 99.99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, ensuring cleaner air is expelled. The HEPA filter is particularly beneficial for allergy sufferers.

On the downside, the dust capacity is relatively small at 0.14 gallons, so frequent emptying may be necessary during more extensive cleaning tasks. Additionally, with a noise level of 70 dB, it may be a bit loud for some users, although this is a typical level for many vacuums. For those with a diverse range of cleaning needs, especially pet owners, the Dyson V8 Plus proves to be a robust choice, combining powerful suction, versatile attachments, and effective filtration.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,492
Suction Power
Weight
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
4362 reviews

Suction Power
Impressive suction power that picks up dirt and pet hair from both carpets and hard floors with ease.
Weight
Lightweight and vacuums hardwood/tile well, making it ideal for frequent, fast cleaning sessions.
Attachments and Accessories
Attachments like the dusting brush and crevice tool are really helpful for reaching tricky spots and cleaning between furniture.
Filter Type
The HEPA filtration system makes a noticeable difference in air quality, effectively trapping allergens and dust.
#2

BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean Handheld Vacuum Cordless, Compact Home and Car Vacuum with Crevice Tool ,Rotating Nozzle and Charging Station, Large Dust Bowl (CHV1410L)

Rating
9.4
Battery Life
Dust Capacity
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
107743 reviews

Battery Life
The battery life is commendable, offering about 20 minutes of uninterrupted vacuuming, which is sufficient for small cleanups.
Dust Capacity
Emptying the dirt bowl is simple, and the translucent design helps you know when it needs to be cleared.
Attachments and Accessories
The compact design with built-in extension tools makes it easy to use in tight or awkward spaces.
Filter Type
Maintenance is straightforward with washable filters and parts, making it easy to keep the vacuum clean and functional.

The BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean Cordless Handheld Vacuum is a versatile cleaning tool designed for both home and car use. It is powered by a 16V lithium-ion battery, which offers strong suction power and a cordless, portable convenience, making it easy to move around and use in various locations. This vacuum is particularly useful for cleaning multiple surfaces, including carpets, car interiors, and furniture, effectively removing dust, hair, and debris. The compact design ensures that it is easy to handle and store when not in use.

The rotating slim nozzle and pull-out crevice tool are excellent for reaching tight spaces and cleaning high or hard-to-reach areas, while the flip-up brush provides additional versatility for dusting and upholstery cleaning. The cyclonic action helps maintain consistent suction power by spinning dust away from the filter. The easy-view dirt bowl is bagless and translucent, allowing you to see when it needs to be emptied and ensuring easy disposal of debris. Additionally, the dirt bowl and filter are washable, which makes maintenance simple and convenient.

However, it is important to note that the vacuum's dust capacity might be limited due to its compact size, requiring frequent emptying during extensive cleaning sessions. The noise level is not specified, but handheld vacuums can be relatively loud. Despite these minor drawbacks, the BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and efficient handheld vacuum for quick clean-ups around the house and car.

Rating
9.4
Battery Life
Dust Capacity
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
107743 reviews

Battery Life
The battery life is commendable, offering about 20 minutes of uninterrupted vacuuming, which is sufficient for small cleanups.
Dust Capacity
Emptying the dirt bowl is simple, and the translucent design helps you know when it needs to be cleared.
Attachments and Accessories
The compact design with built-in extension tools makes it easy to use in tight or awkward spaces.
Filter Type
Maintenance is straightforward with washable filters and parts, making it easy to keep the vacuum clean and functional.

Buying Guide for the Best Handheld Vacuums

Choosing the right handheld vacuum can make cleaning quicker and more convenient, especially for small areas, cars, upholstery, or quick spills. Your main goal is to find a model that easily matches your daily tasks without adding too much weight or complexity. Before you buy, think about where and how often you’ll use the handheld vacuum, such as for pet hair, car interiors, or just light crumbs around the house. With the right features, it should save you time and hassle, making cleaning almost effortless.
WeightWeight refers to how heavy the handheld vacuum is. This is important because you’ll often be holding the vacuum with one hand and possibly reaching into tight or overhead spaces. Lighter vacuums are easier to handle, especially for longer cleaning sessions or for people with wrist or shoulder concerns. Most handheld vacuums range from about 1 to 5 pounds. If you plan to use the vacuum often or for longer stretches, a lighter model is usually more comfortable. If it will mainly stay in one area or be used briefly at a time, a slightly heavier model with more features might be manageable.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long you can use a cordless handheld vacuum before it needs to be recharged. This is crucial if you don’t want your cleaning to be interrupted or if you have larger spaces or multiple tasks in one go. Battery life for handheld vacuums typically ranges from 10 to 45 minutes. Shorter battery life is fine for quick spot-cleaning, but if you need to clean a car, stairs, or several rooms at once, look for a model with longer runtime. Base your choice on the size of the spaces and the frequency of your cleaning tasks.
Suction PowerSuction power describes how forcefully the vacuum can pick up dirt and debris. This is important for ensuring effective cleaning, especially for pet hair, larger crumbs, or cleaning in car crevices. Handheld vacuums show suction in different ways, like air watts or volts. Generally, a lower power is suitable for light dust and basic jobs, while stronger suction is better for tough messes or thick materials like carpet and upholstery. Think about your main cleaning needs: more power is better for challenging messes, but may use the battery faster.
Dustbin CapacityDustbin capacity means how much dirt and debris the vacuum can hold before it needs to be emptied. This matters because frequent emptying can interrupt your cleaning. Dustbins are usually quite small in handheld vacuums, ranging from about 0.2 to 0.7 liters. For quick pick-ups or spot cleaning, a smaller bin is sufficient. If you plan to handle larger messes or do extended cleaning sessions, a bigger bin will require less frequent emptying.
AttachmentsAttachments are extra tools that come with the vacuum, like crevice tools, brushes, or pet hair tools. These help you clean specific surfaces such as upholstery, car seats, or tight corners. More attachments add versatility but can make storage more complicated. If you mostly need the vacuum for simple tasks, you might not need many extras. If you have pets, cars, or varied surfaces, look for a model with specialized attachments matching your cleaning habits.
Filtration SystemThe filtration system refers to how well the vacuum traps dust and allergens. Good filtration is important if you have allergies, pets, or young children, as it can keep fine dust and allergens from escaping back into the air. Filtration ranges from basic single-layer filters to HEPA filters, which capture much smaller particles. For basic, everyday use, a standard filter might be fine. If you are concerned about air quality or have allergies, look for advanced or HEPA filtration.
Charging TimeCharging time tells you how long it takes to fully recharge the vacuum’s battery. Fast charging is useful if you use the vacuum often or forget to charge it ahead of time. Charging times for handheld vacuums can vary from under an hour to several hours. If you use the vacuum frequently or for bigger jobs, a shorter charging time is more convenient. For occasional use, a longer charge time might not be an issue.

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